Dental Framework and Prosthesis Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dentists face challenges in providing aesthetic and durable dental prostheses that resist occlusal forces in reduced vertical restorative dimensions while maintaining high aesthetics, as traditional acrylic processed hybrids often break due to limited space and strength limitations.
Innovation Solution
A dental prosthesis design featuring a veneering overlay and dental implant framework, where the veneering overlay and framework are designed based on digital data defining tooth and gingiva contours, with a unique CAD subtract body creating a mating surface and clearance gaps for precise fitting, ensuring the framework supports occlusal loads directly through the crowns and implants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional acrylic processed hybrid restorations are used, then the prosthesis can be fabricated with available materials and methods, but the restoration breaks and fractures due to occlusal forces exceeding the strength of the acrylic in limited restorative space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining a metal framework (titanium, cobalt-chromium, or stainless steel) with acrylic processing. The metal framework provides structural strength to resist occlusal forces, while the acrylic is processed over the framework to create the final prosthesis. This composite approach allows the weak acrylic material to be supported by the strong metal framework, preventing fracture while maintaining the aesthetic and functional properties of acrylic restorations.
2Reliability
If individual crown prosthesis is used, then occlusal loads can be transferred through the crown directly into the supporting framework and implants, but the prosthesis requires more restorative space than is available in limited cases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the prosthesis into distinct segments: individual crowns are fabricated for each tooth position, allowing precise fit and optimal load distribution. Each crown is separately processed over the framework, enabling the framework to be designed with minimal thickness while still providing adequate support. This segmentation allows the prosthesis to function with individual load-bearing units that can be precisely adapted to limited restorative spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the framework as a three-dimensional support structure that extends beneath the crowns, distributing loads through the vertical dimension into the dental implants. The framework acts as an intermediate structural element that transfers occlusal forces from the crowns down to the implants, enabling load transfer without requiring excessive horizontal or vertical space at the crown level.
3Strength
If the framework is designed with appropriate wall thickness for strength, then the framework can resist occlusal forces, but the limited restorative space is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
By combining metal framework with acrylic processing, the patent achieves high strength-to-volume ratio. The metal framework can be designed with minimal wall thickness while maintaining structural integrity, as the acrylic layer provides additional structural support and aesthetic coverage. This composite construction allows the framework to be as thin as 0.5-1.5mm while still resisting occlusal forces effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes framework parameters including wall thickness (0.5-1.5mm), metal selection (titanium, cobalt-chromium, stainless steel), and framework geometry to achieve maximum strength within limited space constraints. The framework design parameters are carefully controlled to provide adequate structural support while minimizing the volume occupied by the framework itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A dental prosthesis and a process for design and manufacturing, incorporating a dental implant framework and veneering overlay that will be designed and manufactured simultaneously and permanently fixated to one another.